One embodiment is directed to sending a request message from the base station to the UE on a downlink channel and making, by the base station, a gratuitous grant, to the UE, of resources on the uplink channel for the UE to transmit a response message on the uplink channel. The response message is responsive to the request message. The gratuitous grant is made without waiting for a request from the UE for a grant of resources on the uplink channel for the UE to transmit the response message on the uplink channel. The base station receives the response message transmitted by the UE on the uplink channel in response to the gratuitous grant. Other embodiments are disclosed.